I was able to see the service on television and I must say I found it all very dignified and very British, in the best sense of the word. I actually like the speech of the Bisshop of London, though his opening remark was rather unfortunate (but everybody paid attention immediately).

The RF (from the minor to the major royals) appeared rather warm and even affectionate towards the two princes. Do the men of the family usually kiss? Even the Duke of Edinburgh kissed his grandsons, which I never expected him to do in public. The RF seemed rather unified and dignified, for which I am happy.

Yes, they usually do the kiss-greetings.

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The hymns and music of the service was absolutely beautiful, esp. the one of Rachmaninov but Mozarts Ave Verum was beautiful too (as were the other shymns). Does anybody know if there in an order of service to be found anywhere?

I believe the BBC link above has a PDF file to download which shows the service programme.

I saw a few minutes before having to leave for work. I was taken aback by the 'who's cheating' remark before the minister explained it. I did like his comment about not using Diana's memory to score points for either side of a debate, just let her rest in peace. I thought Princess Anne was not supposed to attend, news commentors here had pointed out (even while the service was on Fox, ABC news had Tina Brown saying P. Anne wasn't attending as she had another engagement and insinuated that P. Anne and Diana had never been close. I'm glad to see the 'talking heads' are often wrong.) but I think the Princess Royal doesn't get enough credit for all she does--without making headlines just to show what all she does. I'm sure that in the US that CSPAN or other networks will rebroadcast the service.
I thought the Queen looked fabulous (as she always does) as well as Elton John. Hope to see photos of the royals to see which hats were great, which were ridiculous

I have to say, the Memorial left good impression on me as well. I'm glad they managed to carry everything out in such a dignified way. The family was indeed very warm, this picture is one of many that demonstrate that (Harry bents down to kiss the Queen, while William reaches out for his father).
This would be a beautiful memorial and a beautiful tribute for their mother, had it not been for the Media circus.

Yes, this is not uncommon with the Windsors. It seems to be a "European" custom, but is more likely just the way close Royals greet each other.

I have seen many times Prince William and Prince Harry greet their Windsor relations like this. They did this with Charles their whole life, and noticeably to Prince Philip at the Westminster-van Cutsem wedding in 2004.

The hymns and music of the service was absolutely beautiful, esp. the one of Rachmaninov but Mozarts Ave Verum was beautiful too (as were the other shymns).

I noticed that also on the funeral of Prince Claus of the Netherlands a heartbreakingly poignant Russian hymn was sung (Tebye Poyem from the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom by Sergey Rachmaninov).

The same during the church service for the wedding of The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall when also a Russian piece was to be heard (The Creed from the Russian Orthodox Liturgy by Aleksandr Gretchaninov).

I really like these un-understandable mysterious Russian sounds reaching out for eternity.... wonderful!

The service was conducted in a very appropriate manner. As expected, the accent of the service was given to forgiveness and compassion. I have enjoyed listening good English. I have been really, really surprised to see Camilla Al-Fayed there.

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Originally Posted by Warren

A pic of Sir Elton John and partner David Furnish accompanying Camilla al Fayed. Check out those killer heels!

Why not, if she can walk in them? It would be her feet that hurt.

__________________"I never did mind about the little things"
Amanda, "Point of No Return"

Wonderful service. The readings, prayers and the prince's speech were very fitting. It was also nice to see the Royal Family singing the hymns, and I was impressed with how they greeted each other before and after the service.

I noticed that also on the funeral of Prince Claus of the Netherlands a heartbreakingly poignant Russian hymn was sung (Tebye Poyem from the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom by Sergey Rachmaninov).

The same during the church service for the wedding of The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall when also a Russian piece was to be heard (The Creed from the Russian Orthodox Liturgy by Aleksandr Gretchaninov).

I really like these un-understandable mysterious Russian sounds reaching out for eternity.... wonderful!

Quite right, both of those Russian songs are wonderful, I enjoyed them greatly.
Incidentally, Tebye Poem means For you we sing in Russian. Beautiful.

__________________Queen Elizabeth: "I cannot lead you into battle, I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else, I can give you my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations." God, Save The Queen!

Zara Phillips was competing at the Burghley Horse Trials. I had thought so but I wanted to double check on that.
As already stated, Prince Andrew was engaged in Malaysia for the independence celebrations.
I understand Sarah, Duchess of York had been invited but declined because she felt her attendence at a "royal event" would be inappropriate. Strange to me because she was Diana's friend and there were plenty of Diana's non-royal associations attending. Maybe there was another reason besides this one reported which doesn't make a lot of sense.

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Originally Posted by Warren

A pic of Sir Elton John and partner David Furnish accompanying Camilla al Fayed. Check out those killer heels!

And her bag, I think a Birkin, right? She is a fashionable lady, that's for sure.

i got up early and i'm so glad i did. it was a very dignified if not staid program song, reading, song, reading, etc. i was disappointed wills didn't give a more personal speech but harry made up for it with his moving, personal message (i believe he wrote it himself and not a palace speech writer, which made it much more touching) do anyone know if the applause from outside could be heard inside after his speech?
it was very respectful they greeted everyone after the service on the steps, i'm glad they did that instead of heading to the cars. did anyone go over to greet the crowd across the street- were they acknowledged or ignored?
i believe i saw zara on the steps after the service talking to harry in a white hat? i was glad to see princess ann and her husband attend and it was a very sweet gesture when he stroked sophies cheek when saying goodbye. i loved the funny family scene when prince charles checked to make sure harry had his speech, he seems to have a good affectionate relationship with his sons (i was kinda worried he'd be pouty) but he seemed in good humor and gracious to everyone. The queen looked beautiful and antimated with those around herBBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Remembering Diana (favorite photo today)
on the steps her and charles seemed to be having a few words (if my lip reading is correct) he seemed to say "no i won't" and shake his head a few time (i wondered if she was asking him to cross the street and shake some hands) i'm glad it went so well and now its OVER- hopefully the bishops words to leave Diana in peace will move a few hearts to move on, i'm not going to hold my breath.

I understand Sarah, Duchess of York had been invited but declined because she felt her attendence at a "royal event" would be inappropriate

Strange to me because she was Diana's friend and there were plenty of Diana's non-royal associations attending. Maybe there was another reason besides this one reported which doesn't make a lot of sense.

I was able to see the service on television and I must say I found it all very dignified and very British, in the best sense of the word. I actually like the speech of the Bisshop of London, though his opening remark was rather unfortunate (but everybody paid attention immediately).

The RF (from the minor to the major royals) appeared rather warm and even affectionate towards the two princes. Do the men of the family usually kiss? Even the Duke of Edinburgh kissed his grandsons, which I never expected him to do in public. The RF seemed rather unified and dignified, for which I am happy.

The hymns and music of the service was absolutely beautiful, esp. the one of Rachmaninov but Mozarts Ave Verum was beautiful too (as were the other shymns). Does anybody know if there in an order of service to be found anywhere?

No, and neither was Cheldy Davy. It appears that the Princes made the decision to include only those that knew Diana, and furthermore it was said (by Robin Leech) that they thought that having their girlfriends there would have distracted from the point of the memorial. I quite agree. It would have been a windstorm of are they/aren't they.